Ideological oppression stems from value systems that enable dehumanization, exploitation, or harm of individuals of some minority groups. Ideological oppression can have cultural or historical roots passed down from generations in ones family. “Biologism–interpreting the value of human life from a strictly biological viewpoint.” Biologism basically shapes how one is accepting of people with chronic illness’ and non-binary gender identities. These oppressive thoughts and ideologies can manifest ones mind at an interpersonal, individual and social levels through acts of violence which highlights the widespread and harmful impact on these ingrained belief systems.
Interalized oppression involves individuals internalizing their own societal beliefs that in return, create false feelings of supremacy or deficiency, particularly to those outside their own social group typically white people. In white dominated societies where the percentage of minority groups are slim, the minority manifests to achieve validation from these white dominated groups and this can also lead on to self doubt in oneself. Furthermore, these feelings can lead white people to be unjustly suspicious of these people in the minority trying to get the approval of the dominate group and questions their professional capabilities. “In white dominant societies, internalized oppression often expresses itself for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color through a strong drive to over-achieve in order to feel valued, or in self-doubt” The impacts of these feelings of doubt and the manifestation of destiny can lead to anxiety, depression, and self hatred and these people can turn into someone they know they are not and it’s all just to impress a group that may not even acknowledge them.
Interpersonal oppression is the manifestation of interalized oppression between individuals or groups, both intentionally and unintentionally. This oppression ranges from thoughtless, impulsive comments to acts of violence, similar to Ideological oppression. What this does is normalize these biased behaviors and violence when expressed among groups with the same bias and beliefs. This type of oppression is identifiable and immediate, making their targets feeling attacked, diminished, and dehumanized which puts them in some cases, in jeopardy of their own life and fear their safety. These feelings can also happen within their own group with interalized values and beliefs. Members of the dominant group may feel threatened and have feelings of fear, it is not a form of oppression without institutional power that enforces harm which differentiates it from systemic justice.
Institutional oppression involves the conservation of oppression through policies, laws, and social practices. An example of this is college entrance exams. “Among many colleges of requiring a minimum college entrance exam score from successful candidates; numerous studies have demonstrated that scores do not predict academic success and at best reflect class privilege.” These entrance exams impact low income families or minority families who have limited access to resources and job opportunities. This form of oppression is well active at the organizational and governmental levels as well that leads to high staff turnovers, culturalized censure, internment camps, and war, illustrating its widespread social impact.
For my closing thoughts I leave a question: How can society effectively address and dismantle systems of oppression to ensure sustained progress, creating a culture that actively works to eliminate discrimination, inequality, and bias until they are completely eradicated? I have provided a link that extends my thoughts. Click Here
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